On Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Los Angeles Kings in an attempt to win three straight games. However, Maple Leafs supporters are concerned about whether their team will be shorthanded as top forwards William
Both John Tavares and Nylander have been battling injuries. Nylander’s absence from practice on Tuesday due to illness sparked worries. Tavares, meantime, has been battling a sickness that prevented him from playing in Monday’s practice and Saturday’s victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With a few hours to go until puck drop, the Maple Leafs have revealed the latest update on their under-the-weather duo.
Following Wednesday’s practice, Toronto head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Tavares will be back in the lineup after practicing on back-to-back days, per NHL Network’s Dave McCarthy.
Unfortunately, Nylander’s status is still up in the air. The Swedish winger is set to be a game-time decision after sitting out of practice for the second day in a row.
William Nylander will be a game-time decision, coach Craig Berube says.
Nylander missed practice Tuesday due to illness.
John Tavares, who missed Saturday vs #LetsGoPens and Monday practice, will play vs #GoKingsGo@NHLdotcom @NHLFantasy #LeafsForever
— Dave McCarthy (@DaveAMcCarthy) October 16, 2024
On Tuesday, Tavares told Toronto Star’s Kevin McGran that he’s “just getting my energy back” after losing “a little bit of weight” because of the illness. Berube later added that the veteran center didn’t have the most energy, which is something he’ll work on as he recovers.
Even if he isn’t at 100 percent, having Tavares in the lineup is always a boost for the Maple Leafs. The 34-year-old veteran has one goal on six shots to begin the 2024-25 season after having the captaincy taken from him and given to Auston Matthews in the summer.
As for Nylander, his official status for Wednesday will be revealed closer to game time. Missing time is a rarity for the former 2014 first-round pick, who’s only missed one game since the start of the 2021-22 season. He scored two goals against the Penguins over the weekend, so getting back into the lineup as soon as possible is crucial to maintaining that momentum.
The Maple Leafs’ locker room has been plagued by illness for the second consecutive season. Whatever virus it is, it is destroying any collaboration and chemistry that the players and coaches have started to build, even if it isn’t the worst.
On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Maple Leafs and Kings will square off at Scotiabank Arena. The broadcast is available on ESPN+.
